OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 12f> 



Before the incubating process had commenced, the eggs 

 were taken by the Doctor, for the purpose of finding out 

 what the birds would do under the circumstances. The 

 birds seemed undecided in their actions for a few days, but 

 at the expiration of this period, the female set to work, 

 deepened the hole, enlarged it considerably at the bottom, 

 and deposited her complement of eggs. The duties of in- 

 cubation were performed by both birds, each visiting the nest 

 when thus occupied, to see that everything was right. The 

 Doctor endeavored to rear the young, two of which died of 

 starvation ; and the remaining three living to grow up, be- 

 came such mischievous and troublesome pets, that he was 

 only too glad to rid himself of their possession. 



Dr. Cooper met this species on Whitby's Island, Wash- 

 ington Territory, engaged in digging a hole in a dead trunk, 

 at an elevation of thirty feet above the ground. The place 

 was discovered by the loose chips that were scattered around. 

 The labor was alternately performed by both birds, who, 

 before dropping the chips which they had detached, would 

 slowly protrude the bill from the opening, and take a cau- 

 tious survey of the surrounding country. At the slightest 

 noise- they would remain perfectly still, and only resume op- 

 erations when reassured that danger was not imminent. 



Fifty years ago, this species was quite abundant, and very 

 unsuspicious, in Vermont ; but, according to Mr. C. S. Paine 

 of Randolph, it is now very rare, and so shy, that it can be 

 approached but with the greatest difficulty. It seems to be 

 a very pugnacious bird, for, on one occasion, Mr. Paine hav- 

 ing wounded an individual, essayed its capture while attempt- 

 ing to escape, when the bird being overtaken, turned furi- 

 ously upon its pursuer, and inflicted a wound. This close 

 observer, has never been able to discover its nest, but has 

 seen young birds just after leaving it. 



Mr. Dresser has found it on the Medina River in Texas, 

 and also on the Colorado and Brazos, where it appears to 

 be quite a common species ; several nests being observed in 



